The 2027 practice changes update Wisconsin's real estate practice requirements to increase transparency in how residential properties are marketed and sold. By incorporating key transparency requirements into Wisconsin law rather than leaving them solely to MLS or brokerage policies, the practice changes are designed to ensure buyers and sellers have clear and consistent information about marketing, compensation and the use of technology in property advertising.

Key components of the 2027 practice changes include:

• Marketing of listed property: Requires timely public marketing of listed residential properties while preserving a seller's ability to choose a private marketing strategy.
• Cooperating firm compensation: Prohibits firm-to-firm compensation while allowing a seller to compensate the firm working with the buyer when the payment is documented in the offer to purchase.
• Advertising enhanced by technology: Requires disclosure when technology materially alters a property's appearance in marketing materials.

The practice changes are intended to promote transparency, informed decision-making and fair access to property information while preserving seller choice in how residential properties are marketed. To implement these changes, the WB forms used in Wisconsin real estate transactions are being revised with an optional use date of October 1, 2026, and a mandatory use date of January 1, 2027. Additional resources and guidance will be available as the implementation date approaches.

FAQ documents

The WRA has compiled frequently asked questions about the 2027 practice changes, available in three separate FAQ documents. 

FAQs: Advertising Modified by Technology

FAQs: Cooperating Firm Compensation

FAQs: Marketing Listed Property